The trials and tribulations of Blackberry-makers Research in Motion (RIM) have been well-publicized, here on DailyTech and elsewhere. The Canadian company has failed to truly innovate with its latest products, a misstep that could prove fatal in the face of increasing competition from the likes of Android and Apple. But those describing the company as something like "walking dead" might be surprised by third-quarter earnings figures released yesterday.

As BGR reported, RIM's earnings for Q3 actually beat Wall Street predictions in a number of key areas. Revenue was up by 40 percent year-over-year, to $5.5 billion, thanks to a record amount of Blackberry shipments made (14.2 million devices). Those figures slightly edged out Wall Street's predictions of $5.4 billion on 14 million devices. RIM added 5.1 million subscribers in the quarter, which was slightly below predictions of 5.2 million.

Total subscriber count was at 55 million, up 49 percent year-over-year.

"We are pleased to report another record quarter with strong growth in shipments of BlackBerry smartphones leading to record revenue, subscriber additions and earnings. RIM’s business continues to grow and diversify as BlackBerry adoption accelerates in markets around the world," said Jim Balsillie, Co-CEO at Research in Motion, in a press release.

RIM is projecting fourth quarter revenues of $5.5 to $5.7 billion on 14.3 to 14.9 million subscriber additions.

Much of the company's future success is being placed on how well RIM's tablet offering, the Playbook, performs.

"We believe street estimates should come up tomorrow, given the healthy Q4 guide and likelihood that more analysts reflect PlayBook into their estimates," wrote Mike Abramsky, Managing Director at RBC Capital Markets, in a note to investors.

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